Protective bag for shipping

ABSTRACT

A protective shipping container that is configured to provide impact protection for items disposed in the interior volume thereof and further inhibit movement of the items during shipping. The protective shipping container of the present invention includes a body having a first side and a second side formed to create an interior volume. The body includes a separation wall having a first side and a second side. Adjacent to the first side of the separation wall are a plurality of outer air chambers. The plurality of outer air chambers are independently inflatable and extend the length of the body. An inner air chamber is adjacent to the second side of the separation wall. The inner air chamber is operable to substantially fill the interior volume of the body while surroundably conforming to the items placed therein so as to provide impact protection as well as inhibit movement thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective packaging for shipping goods, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a protective bag for shipping fragile items wherein the protective bag of the present invention includes outer protective air chambers and an inner protective air chamber wherein the inner protective air chamber is operable to bias the goods being shipped in a stable position and provide impact protection for the goods.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, millions of products are shipped every day. Items such as but not limited to electronics, housewares and other items are shipped utilizing various commercial carriers on a daily basis. Currently most goods are placed in a container wherein the container has an interior volume that is configured to receive and retain the item as well as the necessary packing material that is employed to ensure the safe arrival of the product. Conventional techniques employ materials such as but not limited to Styrofoam peanuts or corrugated shredding is placed within the interior volume of the shipping container and is hopefully sufficient to ensure the safe arrival of the items being shipped.

One problem with the conventional methods being employed is the ability to ensure the items being shipped stay in a fixed position. With conventional packing products, there is typically movement of the item due to the inability of the packing materials to be packed so as to inhibit any movement of the items being shipped. For many items being shipped such as but not limited to fragile china it is desirable for the items to be packed in such as manner that the items do not move at all during shipment. Additionally, it is desirable to reduce shipping costs and waste of packing materials. Many times upon receiving a shipment, the packing materials utilized are often thrown away and not re-used resulting in the waste of material. Furthermore, these conventional packing materials do not provide a closing of an interior volume in which they are disposed and as such provide a more secure placement within a container.

Accordingly, there is a need for protective shipping bag that is configured to provide impact protection with an exterior layer and further provide placement security wherein the present invention includes an inner air chamber configured to bias against the items disposed within the interior volume of the protective shipping bag so as to retain the position thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a protective shipping bag configured to provide impact protection for items being shipped and further provide an ability to inhibit movement thereof wherein the present invention includes a container body that is manufactured from plastic.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective shipping bag operable to suspendedly mount items within the interior volume of the shipping bag wherein the container body of the present invention includes a wall having a first side and a second side.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a protective shipping bag configured to provide impact protection for items being shipped and further provide an ability to inhibit movement thereof wherein a plurality of air chambers are disposed on the first side of the wall.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a protective shipping bag operable to suspendedly mount items within the interior volume of the shipping bag wherein the plurality of air chambers are configured to be adjacent each other and extend the length of the container body.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a protective shipping bag configured to provide impact protection for items being shipped and further provide an ability to inhibit movement thereof wherein the plurality of air chambers can be configured to be independently inflated with air.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a protective shipping bag operable to suspendedly mount items within the interior volume of the shipping bag wherein the container body includes an inner air chamber wherein the inner air chamber is adjacent the second side of the wall opposite the plurality of air chambers adjacent to the first side of the wall.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective shipping bag configured to provide impact protection for items being shipped and further provide an ability to inhibit movement thereof wherein the inner air chamber will further provide a seal of the ends of the container body ensuing inflation thereof.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a protective shipping bag operable to suspendedly mount items within the interior volume of the shipping bag wherein an embodiment includes a container body having opposing air chambers on the opposite sides of the wall and further include air vents.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention configured with air vents;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention in a deflated condition; and

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the present invention in an inflated position; and

FIG. 4 is an end view of the present invention in an inflated position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated protective shipping bag 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to the Figure submitted herewith, the protective shipping bag 100 is manufactured from a suitable durable inflatable material such as but not limited to plastic. The protective shipping bag 100 includes body 10 wherein the body 10 includes a first side 11 and second side 12. The first side 11 and second side 12 are joined utilizing suitable techniques along opposing peripheral edges 17,18. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be sealed along bottom edge 20 utilizing a similar technique. The body 10 includes opening 22 formed along upper edge 25 wherein the opening 22 extends the length of the upper edge 25 and is operable to provide access to the interior volume so as to place the exemplary objects 99 therein. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the opening 22 could be provided in alternate sizes. Additionally, it should be understood that the opening 22 could be in various locations on the body 10. Furthermore, while a specific shape of the protective shipping bag 100 is illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the protective shipping bag 100 could be formed in alternate shapes and sizes, and be closed at one end, both ends or open at both ends thereof. While one opening 22 is illustrated herein, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the protective shipping bag 100 could have a shape wherein two openings are present at opposing ends of the body 10.

Proximate the upper edge 25 is the sealing portion 30. The sealing portion 30 extends across the width of the body 10 and is substantially the length of the upper edge 25. The sealing portion 30 is contiguously formed with the second side 12 of the body 10 and includes a first surface 32. Ensuing deposit of exemplary objects 99 into the interior volume of the body 10, the sealing portion 30 is moved to it second position wherein the sealing portion 30 is placed adjacent to the exterior surface 9 of the body 10 so as the first surface 32 of the sealing portion 30 is thereagainst. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first surface 32 could have a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed thereon so as to maintain the sealing portion 30 in its second position so as to maintain the opening in a closed position. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate material and/or techniques could be employed to maintain the sealing portion 30 in its second position. Additionally, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the sealing portion 30 could be located in alternate portions on the body 10.

The body 10 includes a separation wall 40 that is configured to provide a plurality of outer air chambers 50 and an inner air chamber 60. The protective shipping bag 100 provides both inflatable impact protection for shipping of the exemplary objects 99 and further provides an inner air chamber 60 that subsequent inflation thereof engages the exemplary objects 99 and biases the exemplary objects 99 in a stationary position as the inner air chamber 60 is surroundably present around the exemplary objects 99. The separation wall 40 is manufactured from the same material as the body 10 such as but not limited to plastic. On one side of the separation wall 40 are the plurality of outer air chambers 50. The plurality of outer air chambers 50 are isolated chambers that are individually inflatable via valves 70. The outer air chambers 50 extend the length of the body 10 being disposed intermediate the first end 6 and second end 7 of the body 10. The outer air chambers 50 are arranged in a parallel pattern and expand outward from the separation wall 40 upon inflation. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be configured with alternate quantities and arrangements of the outer air chambers 50. The valves 70 are conventional one directional valves that are hermetically coupled to each of the plurality of outer air chambers 50 and are configured to provide inflation thereof. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the outer air chambers 50 and inner air chamber 60 could be inflated utilizing alternate techniques in place of and/or in conjunction with the valves 70.

The body 10 includes inner air chamber 60. The inner air chamber 60 is present on the separation wall 40 opposite the plurality of outer air chambers 50. The inner air chamber 60 is configured to be inflated so as to substantially fill the interior volume of the body 10. Subsequent inflation of the inner air chamber 60, the inner air chamber 60 biases against the exemplary objects 99 suspending the exemplary objects 99 in a position and conforming therearound while additionally filling any voids within the interior volume of the body 10. Ensuing inflation the inner air chamber 60 further functions to fill any void present the first end 6 and second end 7 so as to provide sealing and impact protection from the ends direction on the body 10. The immediately aforementioned provides additional impact protection for the exemplary objects 99 while further inhibiting movement thereof thus eliminating the need for additional packing material either in the shipping container or within the interior volume of the body 10. The inner air chamber 60 is sized generally equivalent to the body 10 in order to accomplish the aforementioned. The inner air chamber 60 conforms to the shape of the exemplary objects 99 so as to be surroundably present thereto in order to accomplish the desired objective of inhibiting movement of the exemplary objects 99. Furthermore, the aforementioned characteristic of the inner air chamber 60 allows a user to place various shapes and sizes of exemplary objects 99 into the interior volume of the body 10 and achieve the desired protection and immovability. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the inner air chamber 60 could be inflated utilizing a valve 70 or through an alternate suitable technique. The combination of the inner air chamber 60 and the plurality of outer air chambers 50 function to dramatically reduce the impact acceleration so as to ensure protection of the exemplary objects 99.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1, the protective shipping bag 100 is illustrated therein in an embodiment that includes a wall 75 wherein the wall 75 includes an air chamber 80. The air chamber 80 is formed so as to be the entire size of the body 10. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is similar to the embodiments illustrated and discussed herein with the exception that only a single air chamber 80 is present across the body 10. The air chamber 80 functions to protect and bias the exemplary item 98 disposed within the interior volume in place. Ventilation holes 90 are sealably formed in the body 10 and are operable to provide air circulation as may be required for objects such as but not limited to perishable food items. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be configured in alternate sizes and shapes and further have alternate quantities of ventilation holes 90.

While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the protective shipping bag 100 could be configured with an exterior coating to assist in maintaining temperature control. By way of example but not limitation the body 10 could have disposed thereon an aluminum coating or similar material wherein the coating assists in the ability to maintain the temperature of the interior volume of the protective shipping bag 100.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective shipping bag configured to receive items therein and provide protection during a shipping process wherein the protective shipping bag comprises: a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having at least one opening, said at least one opening providing access to an interior volume, said interior volume configured to receive at least one object therein, said body having separation wall, said separation wall having a first side and a second side, said second side of said separation wall being adjacent the interior volume of said body; a plurality of outer air chambers, said plurality of outer air chambers being adjacent the first side of the separation wall, said plurality of outer air chambers extending intermediate the first end and second end of said body, said plurality of outer air chambers being independently inflatable; and an inner air chamber, said inner air chamber being adjacent the second side of the separation wall, said inner air chamber being separately inflatable, said inner air chamber configured to fill the interior volume of said body, said inner air chamber further operable to surroundably mount the items disposed within the interior volume so as to inhibit movement thereof.
 2. The protective shipping bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the inner chamber fills an area adjacent the first end and second end of the body ensuing inflation thereof.
 3. The protective shipping bag as recited in claim 2, and further including a plurality of valves, said valves being present on each of the plurality of outer air chambers, said valves configured to inflate the plurality of air chambers.
 4. The protective shipping bag as recited in claim 3, wherein said body further includes a sealing portion, said sealing portion configured to be foldable over the at least one opening.
 5. The protective shipping bag as recited in claim 4, wherein said inner air chamber conforming around a shape of the items disposed in the interior volume so as to be surroundably present thereto.
 6. The protective shipping bag as recited in claim 5, wherein the sealing portion includes an adhesive on a surface thereof.
 7. A protective shipping bag configured to receive items therein and provide protection during a shipping process wherein the protective shipping bag comprises: a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having an opening proximate, said opening providing access to an interior volume, said interior volume configured to receive at least one object therein, said body having a wall, said wall having a first side and a second side, said second side of said wall being adjacent the interior volume of said body; an inner air chamber, said inner air chamber being adjacent the second side of the wall, said inner air chamber being inflatable, said inner air chamber configured to fill the interior volume of said body, said inner air chamber further operable to surroundably mount the items disposed within the interior volume so as to inhibit movement thereof.
 8. The protective shipping bag as recited in claim 7, wherein said body further includes at least one ventilation hole, said at least one ventilation hole being sealably formed in said body, said at least one ventilation hole providing circulation to the interior volume of said body.
 9. A protective shipping container configured to receive items therein and provide protection and movement restriction of the items wherein the protective shipping container comprises: a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having an opening, said opening providing access to an interior volume, said interior volume configured to receive the items therein, said body having separation wall, said separation wall having a first side and a second side, said second side of said separation wall being adjacent the interior volume of said body; a plurality of outer air chambers, said plurality of outer air chambers being adjacent the first side of the separation wall, said plurality of outer air chambers being linear in form and parallel, said plurality of outer air chambers extending intermediate the first end and second end of said body, said plurality of outer air chambers being independently inflatable; and an inner air chamber, said inner air chamber being adjacent the second side of the separation wall, said inner air chamber being separately inflatable, said inner air chamber configured to fill the interior volume of said body, said inner air chamber conforming around a shape of the items disposed within the interior volume so as to inhibit movement thereof.
 10. The protective shipping container as recited in claim 9, and further including a plurality of valves, said valves being present on each of the plurality of outer air chambers, said valves configured to inflate the plurality of air chambers.
 11. The protective shipping container as recited in claim 10, wherein the inner chamber provides a filling of any void present proximate the first end and second end of the body ensuing inflation thereof. 